“Illuminated Initials”

Lesson Plan

Step 1: Draw Have students use reference materials to design the first letters of their first or last names. Encourage them to think about the overall design as well as adding details.

Step 2: Transfer and Trace Have students rub chalk all over the backs of their drawings. This works best with the chalk laying on its side (the position a crayon would be in if doing a texture rubbing). Have students rub over the chalk lightly with their fingers to spread it out over the entire back of the drawing. !Tape the drawings, right side up, to pieces of Scratchboard. The chalk side of the paper should touch the black side of the Scratch Board. !With the drawings and Scratchboard taped together, have students trace their original drawings with colored pencils. This will transfer the designs to the Scratchboard.

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Step 3: Scratch Have students remove their original drawings. They will be left with a chalky transfer. Using wooden styluses, have students scratch their designs into the Scratchboard. When finished, have them rub their hands over the Scratchboard to wipe away the chalk and seal the designs. !Tip: Because the oils on the skin can make the Scratchboard harder to use, have students keep an extra piece of paper between their hands and the Scratchboard while working.

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Objective: Student will create an initial design based on traditional Medieval motifs

Materials • Computer Paper and Pencils • Chalk • Colored Pencils and Tape • Shiny Scratchboard • Reference Materials • Wooden styluses

Motivation • Look at examples of Medieval illuminated letters.

• Watch a master calligrapher or illuminator at work. This video by the Getty Museum is a great introduction, taking you through the steps of making an illuminated book in under 10 minutes.